It's not so much your bank account but your overall credit rating. If you have no credit history at all you may find that you'll be asked for a deposit or plain and simply refused.
A bank account on it's own is no sign of 'credit worthiness' no matter how long you've had it. I've known people who have had no credit cards, never had store credit or any other loans be rejected. Best thing to do would be to go somewhete like Carphonwarehouse and have a chat with one of the Reps. They'll have seen it all before and will be able to advise the best route of action. (Generally I phone CPW people very good). So with this detail in hand the potential embarrasment factor disappears.

It's not so much your bank account but your overall credit rating. If you have no credit history at all you may find that you'll be asked for a deposit or plain and simply refused.
A bank account on it's own is no sign of 'credit worthiness' no matter how long you've had it. I've known people who have had no credit cards, never had store credit or any other loans be rejected. Best thing to do would be to go somewhete like Carphonwarehouse and have a chat with one of the Reps. They'll have seen it all before and will be able to advise the best route of action. (Generally I phone CPW people very good). So with this detail in hand the potential embarrasment factor disappears.

jen, further to mrew if you are looking at gaining 'credit worthiness' get yourself on the electoral register(that is the best place to start) and you will find with that alone you will be given a chance at a phone contract (altho they may require a deposit, usually repayable to you after 3 months or so)